Monett Times to host Halloween costume contest Saturday

There will be cuties and spooks at the annual Halloween costume contest at Monett City Hall tomorrow. Last year the winners in the "under age one" division, shown above, were Gracelyne Logan, daughter of Dave and Jennifer Logan of Pierce City, at left, and Zoey Stellwagen, daughter of Kyla and Dustin Stellwagen, as a Tootsie Roll, at right. Winners again this year will have their photos appear in The Times. [Click to enlarge]

Monett's 50-year tradition of holding a Halloween costume contest will continue. The event will be held at 5 p.m. on Saturday at Monett City Hall Auditorium. The Monett Times will host the contest.

This is the second time in the last decade that The Times has stepped forward to continue the costume event when community organizations have not been available to carry on the show.

The contest will begin promptly at 5 p.m. The top three winners in each division will have their photo run in The Times.

There will be six divisions: 1 year-old and under; 2 and 3 years old; 4 and 5 years old; 6 to 8 years old; 9 to 12 years old; and 13 years old and above.

Friends are welcome to cheer on the contestants. The contest should be done by 6 p.m., providing children with plenty of time to participate in other community events during the evening.

"The contest is always a lot of fun and a real showplace for the children," said Murray Bishoff, managing editor for The Times who will serve as master of ceremonies. "Please come and enjoy the spectacle."